MONTREAL — Many children dream of being a fireman. I had this dream, too. It was written in one of my childhood yearbooks.

Last week, my friend and I observed the firefighters who worked tirelessly to control the blaze that ravaged a historic building located on St. Jacques Street in Old Montreal, a few metres away from the La Presse printing presses and the Montreal courthouse. (We had parked our cars a few metres away from the building before it caught fire.) We watched in awe. It was “controlled chaos” — an army of firefighters doing their work, surrounded by countless fire trucks and police cars with their revolving lights on, smoke, water splashing in every direction (which would soon form into ice because of the cold weather), fire alarms … Everyone was working in concert to ensure public safety.

I observed the firefighters in full gear, oxygen masks and tanks, face protectors and helmets, special alarm sensors attached to their protective clothing, who either entered or had just come out of the fiery building. Those coming out of the building looked haggard, often wiping the sweat off of their faces with smoke- and/or charcoal-stained clothes and hands. This was not another day in the office. These firefighters had just been to hell and back. Though physically and emotionally exhausted at 12:30 a.m. (the tail end of the operation), the firefighters could still express contentment, flashing a grin to the onlookers, especially when eye contact could be made.

I also observed the supervisor (or fire chief) who, with his tactical board set on an easel, tracked the comings and goings of the firefighters who entered or left the building, so as to ensure that everyone was accounted for. There were also those who manned the canteen services to rehydrate the firefighters, and those who replenished or replaced the depleted oxygen tanks. Each member of the fire department plays a vital role, in which time is of the essence. Imagine if a half-empty oxygen tank — or worse, an empty one — were erroneously given to firefighter about to enter a building to fight a blaze.

One disruption in the chain operational events could lead to a catastrophe, including loss of life.

I did not expect what hit me next: a tremendous sense of pride and respect for our fire department, whose members should be acknowledged and commended for their courage and gallant action. Thank you!

Firefighters have always welcomed my 4½-year-old son and me at the fire station on impromptu visits. My son has yet to be disappointed by a fire station visit and looking inside of a fire truck. He enjoys “reading” books about firefighters and watching Sam le Pompier (Fireman Sam). He recognizes the difference between fire truck sirens (North American and European) and ambulances. Firefighters do a great deal of public outreach, including visiting daycares and schools, educating the general population on fire prevention and combustible materials, as well as collecting funds for various charities.

Years have passed since my childhood dream of becoming a fireman. Though I took another path, having obtained degrees in chemistry and in law, my fascination with and respect for the firefighting profession remains unwavering.

David Durand is a Montreal lawyer.

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